Interview with Kenneth Modise

Published 2018-06-29.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I was born in village called Tlokweng, 77km beyond Rustenburg from Jozi side. Because of solid and binding norms or cultural observations, we ought to live in a certain way. Being open-mined or flexible is not warmly received. Hence I started writing short stories around village life versus outside life.
When did you first start writing?
I have been writing for over 15 years now.
What motivated you to become an author?
I am an avid reader. At times I became frustrated by lack of publication about issues directly affecting our communities
What is your writing process?
I have books in my mind. Everything something happens around my knowledge I write. it might involve or affect me or not. I write in bits and pieces hence I possess as many unfinished projects
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? What was it about?
The story was about moving to a location for the first time. The proximity of yards and houses were uncomfortable to me. I felt invaded or naked.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The ability to manipulate language and play with words. The language aesthetics. Talking alone, trying to create a worth read for the readers.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
It was a Tswana novel my sister owned, "Moji Motlhabi". I am still looking for the book today though it was two decades ago. The story was a live movie, the visualization of the book in my is still fresh.
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?What are your five favourite books, and why?
Mmualebe, Moji Motlhabi, Things fall apart, The alchemist, Way Back Home. The Tswana books clarifies the hidden agendas in our cultures in a suave way, the language ability displayed is exquisite. Way back home talks the present South Africa and the story is so real the reader get to live it. Things fall apart teaches as many lessons about life and humanity and culture. The alchemist I recommend it to everyone, is about hope and never giving up.
What do you read for pleasure?
Fictionand self-help books.
Who are your favourite authors?
Niq Mhlongo, Sfiso Mzobe, Khaled Hoseini, Racious Malope.
What do your readers mean to you?
Everything. What you write should make an impact in someone's life. They are the barometer with which you should measure yourself.
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Books by This Author

Motsamaya Fifing
Price: $5.00 USD. Words: 3,020. Language: Tswana. Published: September 3, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Cultural & ethnic themes » Cultural interest, general
Mo botshelong re kopana le dintsanantsana, dikgwetlho nako dingwe tswina. Tsotlhe tseno ke tsona di dirang seno seo re se bitsang botshelo. Di natetsha botshelo, ga go phoso le eseng go natefelwa ke botshelo. Mme re tlaa boa re bua ke monate wa botshelo. Botlhoko jwa one leriata le boa ka kwano. Bo ipoeletse botshelo go ba bangwe bo nne bosula, botlhoko le mahutsana fela.